There was an explosion at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., Thursday that brought emergency response crews to the scene, according to reports.
Local ABC7 reported the explosion, which occurred on the zoo’s American Trail. Officials at the zoo confirmed the incident and said that no animals, visitors, or staff members had been injured.
According to NBC Washington, Fire & EMS hazmat units responded to the explosion, which was chemical-related. The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. EST.
The explosion occurred in a mechanical area of the trail used for equipment storage, NBC later reported, identifying the blast as a chlorine explosion.
The explosion is said to have occurred at the beaver exhibit.
No animals or visitors injured in an incident at beaver exhibit at the National Zoo. pic.twitter.com/q30ubddcjW
— Suzanne Kennedy (@ABC7Suzanne) March 17, 2016
The zoo announced that the area was closed pending an investigation of the incident.
Due to an incident on American Trail, the area is closed. No visitors,staff or animals are injured. DCFD is on the scene & investigating
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) March 17, 2016
This post will be updated as further information becomes available.